The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-11-08
MULTIPLICATION,
A Leaf from South Carolina History
Letter nom Gen. Scott.
From tho Richmond DIsnatch

A Leaf from South Carolina History
Letter nom Gen. Scott.
From tho Richmond Dispatch
The following letter, curious to read at
the present day and in the light of events
since 1850, was written the year the State
OF South Carolina passed her notification
act. IT was given to Gov. Ice by Senator
Wade Hampton upon the latters recent
visit here:
SAVANNAH, December II, 1882.
The Hon. W. c. Preston.
Asto the 'speculationsat Columbia" rela-
tive to the object of my visit TO Charleston
AT this moment lean only say that am on
that very tour, and about the very time men
toned by me when last had the pleasure
OF seeing YOU. On what evil DAYS we have
fallen, my good friend, when SO common
place AN event gives rise TO conjecture or
speculation. ] can only assure YOU that
no one has felt more wetched than your
humble correspondent since an unhappy
controversy began TO assume a serious as
pect. have always entertained a high
Animation for the history and character
OF South Carolina, and accidentally good
fortune has thrown me into intimacy and
even friendship with almost every leader
OF the two parties which now divide and
agitate the State. Would TO God
they were again united rs during the late
war, when her Fcdcralsts We'd with her
Republicans in the carccroi patriotism and
glory, and when the Legislature came
powerfully TO the aid OF the Union. Well.
the majority among you have taken
stand, and those DAYS OF general harmony
may never return. What an awful posi-
tion for South Carolina, as well as for the
other states! cannot follow out the long.
dark shades OF the picture that represents
itself TO my fears. | will hone, ncycrthe-
less, for the best. The Presidents mes.
sagc brings healing on its wings. Congress
may soon begin 10 act on his lust. wise and
patriotic recommendation. By the lth of
March, 1857, the tariff may be reduced Ia
the revenue standard, the means and the
prctcXt for eXtrayagant expenditures on in
tcrnal improvements nbatcd, and the con-
slituiion of the United States restored 10 lis
specified and legitimate object. But turn
myeyes backward and-good Godl-what
do ! behold? Impatient South Carolina
could not wait she has taken lean. and
Is already foreign nation. Aud the great
names OF Washington, Franklin, jefferson,
Green, no longer compairiois with yours,
or those OF Larcns, Moultric, Pinkney,
Marion, with mine. but the evil
surprising the separation TO have been
pcaccablc will not stop here. when
one member shall withdraw, the whole
arch or union will tumble in. Out OF the
broken fragments new combinations will
arise. We should probably have in the
place Of one, three conlcdcmcics- a north
ern, southern and western reunion and
tramontain Virginia your native coun-
try not belonging TO the south, hut torn
OIL by the general west. turn with hor-
ror from the picture have only skctched.
] have said il is dark. Let but one drop
Of blood he spilled upon tho canvas and Il
becomes zone red.
Abhot each other. Mountains tntcfposcd
Make enemies Of nations which had cisp
Like kindred drops been mingled Into one
But you and my other South Carolina
friends have taken your respective sides
and must follow out mine. My humble
support shall he given TO the Union M long
NJ u shall be the duty and interest Of Wiz.
ginia 81 abide by the family compact. II
she withdraw, hope no longer 20 be- on
the scene. Your friend,
WINFIELD SCoTT,